Thanksgiving remains one of the busiest travel holidays in the United States, and 2025 is no exception. AAA projects 81.8 million Americans will travel at least 50 miles from home between Tuesday and next Monday, setting a new record and surpassing last year by nearly 2 million travelers. While most will drive, air travel is also surging, with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) predicting the busiest Thanksgiving air travel period in 15 years, including more than 360,000 flights nationwide. [chicago.suntimes.com]
Chicago: O’Hare and Midway Brace for Historic Crowds
Chicago’s airports are preparing for their busiest Thanksgiving travel season on record. The Chicago Department of Aviation expects nearly 2 million passengers to pass through O’Hare and Midway combined during the seven-day holiday period. O’Hare alone anticipates 1.63 million travelers, a 9.5% increase from last year, while Midway expects about 350,000 passengers. The busiest day will likely be Sunday, Nov. 30, as travelers return home. [nbcchicago.com]
Airlines are adding capacity to meet demand: American Airlines has scheduled nearly 40% more flights out of O’Hare, and United Airlines expects its busiest Thanksgiving ever. Travelers should anticipate longer TSA lines and consider using digital IDs in Apple Wallet for faster screening. Weather could complicate plans, with wind advisories and possible snow in the Midwest later in the week. [cbsnews.com]
St. Louis: Lambert Airport Sees 7.8% Increase
St. Louis Lambert International Airport is also experiencing a surge. TSA projects 218,796 departing passengers during the 11-day Thanksgiving travel period, up nearly 8% from last year. The busiest days are expected to be Sunday, Nov. 23, and the weekend after Thanksgiving, with more than 23,000 travelers each day. Lambert officials urge passengers to arrive early, pack smart, and expect longer lines, especially as weather systems could bring rain and wind to the region. [ksdk.com]
Indianapolis: Record-Breaking Week Ahead
Indianapolis International Airport anticipates record-setting traffic, with airlines offering the largest outbound capacity in the airport’s history for Thanksgiving week. Early morning flights (5 a.m.–8 a.m.) account for nearly one-third of daily passenger traffic, so travelers should arrive at least two hours before departure. TSA has installed new CT scanning technology at all 14 lanes to improve screening, but officials still recommend TSA PreCheck for faster processing. Snow is possible in central Indiana by Saturday, which could affect post-holiday travel. [ind.com], [countryherald.com]
Tips for a Smoother Thanksgiving Journey
- Book flights early and aim for morning departures to reduce delay risk.
- Consider TSA PreCheck for faster security clearance.
- Pack light to avoid baggage delays.
- Check weather forecasts and flight status before leaving home.
- Service your car if driving, and allow extra time for traffic.
- Pack patience—crowds and delays are part of the holiday travel experience.
Thanksgiving means turkey and trimmings, but also millions of people traveling to give thanks alongside those they love. With record-breaking numbers expected this year, planning is more important than ever.
